Ocean Indicators NOAA Scientists Are Tracking for El Niño's Arrival on the West Coast

Warm ocean waters bring unusual fishing boom off Southern California coast

Southern California anglers are seeing an unusual abundance of warm-water fish species as elevated ocean temperatures linked to El Niño and marine heatwaves draw species typically found farther south into local waters.

Ocean indicators NOAA scientists are tracking for El Niño's arrival on the West Coast

Has El Niño reached the West Coast? You might think it has. After all, the ocean off Southern and Central California is unusually warm. But that warmth is from a recent marine heat wave that predates the current El Niño. Much of the Pacific Coast is experiencing relatively normal conditions while still awaiting the impacts of what could be a very strong El Niño.